al-Balagh : Jurnal Dakwah dan Komunikasi
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Sufi da‘wah in the algorithmic public sphere: Affective communication and audience reception of taṣawwuf-based preaching on YouTube

Siti Sholihatudz Dzikriyah (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Bobbi Aidi Rahman (Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu)
Sansan Ziaul Haq (Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Teguh Luhuringbudi (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Safa Husayn Alrumayh (University of Zawia)
Humaira Ahmad (University of Management and Technology, Pakistan)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study addresses a research gap in digital religion studies that have largely examined online radicalism through ideological lenses while overlooking how Sufi-based da'wah operates within algorithmic environments. This research examines how taṣawwuf-oriented preaching on YouTube constructs affective communication and how audiences respond to Sufi messages in polarized digital spaces. Using thematic digital observation of five Sufi YouTube channels, audience comment analysis, and focused interviews with Arrazy's assistant, this study applies algorithmic discourse analysis combined with affective mapping. Findings indicate that Sufi da'wah conveys concepts such as ḥilm, sakīnah, and tawāḍu' through gentle language, metaphorical narration, and repetitive spiritual aesthetics, generating positive emotional responses. Audience interactions reveal reflective engagement rather than confrontational reactions. From a practical standpoint, these findings indicate that religious institutions may strengthen counter-radicalization initiatives by integrating affective communication strategies into digital outreach programs. Furthermore, digital preachers can enhance the reach of contemplative discourse by aligning spiritual aesthetics with platform-specific optimization techniques. Ultimately, policymakers and content regulators should consider incentivizing moderate Sufi channels to diversify Indonesia’s digital religious ecosystem, thereby reducing the algorithmic amplification of extremist narratives.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

al-balagh

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Sub themes and scope in the scientific publications of al-Balagh include: 1. Dawa and Islamic preaching/ propagation: a. Studies in the science of dawa/ Islamic preaching or propagation, such as history of dawa, philosophy of dawa, and methodology of dawa, include in culturally, economically, and ...